The nation's southern resort island, Jeju, boasts colorful scenery with its emerald-green sea, black basalt sand, golden rape flowers and green vegetation. The natural park, ocean road and black sand beach in the northern part of the island may be a best course to appreciate such views.
◆ Hallim Park
The park is one of the most popular tourist attractions on Jeju Island. While following the exotic pathways lined with palm trees, visitors can get a glimpse of the botanical gardens, lava caves, stone and bonsai gardens, and folk village.
With as many as nine themes, the park is one of the best places to experience the island's distinctive features and unique colors.
◆ Ocean Road
The island's northwest ocean road from the park is built along the seashore. The 11 km-long road, connecting Aewol and Hagwi, allows visitors to appreciate the pristine beauty of the sea and the ocean cliffs.
Rest spots allow visitors to better enjoy the stunning emerald sea in the distance, while black whinstones and green grass add vividness and jest. When the sun sets, red is also added to the plethora of colors.
An observatory on an ocean cliff offers the best scenery with an unobstructed view of the seashore, the ocean and small villages.
◆ Samyang Beach
Jeju's beaches generally have white sand, but Samyang Beach is unique with black sand formed by waves that washed away volcanic rocks in nearby areas.
Most interesting is the changing colors of the beach. When waves approach the beach, yellowish sands in the sea come along with them to dye the beach a golden color. As waves move away from shore, the beach again regains its blackish color.
Since 2002, the beach has been hosting a summer festival during which visitors can take a sand bath. A sand bath for 20 to 30 minutes can help ease arthritis or neuralgia pains.
